With laser projectors becoming more affordable, there are many enthusiasts and laser artists creating laser light shows. The International Laser Display Association has announced a new contest to find and publicize non-ILDA members who are creating exceptional shows.

The 2016 "New Talent" competition winner will receive the “ILDA New Talent” trophy, honoring their work as the best of the worldwide entries. They will be recognized at the November 2016 ILDA Awards Banquet and Presentation in Baltimore, and will have free attendance to the banquet (a $250 value). Their achievement will be publicized on ILDA's website. Recognition as a winner could become a stepping stone to further involvement in the laser display industry. They will also receive a free year's Individual Membership in ILDA (a $130 value; this amount may be optionally applied towards a Corporate Membership). The Membership includes free access to Skyzan laser safety software (a $299 value), discounts on LSO classes and ILDA events, and other Member benefits.

Subsequent New Talent searches in 2017 and beyond will find and publicize additional new talents.

The ILDA New Talent search was created at the request of ILDA Members attending the association's October 2015 conference in Dubai. Members asked the Board and Awards Committee to come up with a way to help non-members doing professional level work get the attention they deserve.

This search is open to any individual who has not been a member of ILDA, either on their own or as an employee of an ILDA member. They can enter up to three videos, each one up to 4 minutes in length. An international panel of judges will view all entries to choose the winner.

There is a nominal entry fee of $10 for one video, $25 for two or $50 for three. The fee helps defray costs of the New Talent program, and it also helps limit entries to persons genuinely interested in having their work be evaluated in the competition.

The complete rules and entry form are online at ILDA.com/newtalent.htm. Deadline for entries is July 31, 2016. Anyone with questions about the competition should contact ILDA directly.